Former Lady Monarch Marie Christian begins her third season at her alma mater as an assistant coach.

Christian, also known as "Podgie", is familiar to Lady Monarch fans having been a four-year starter on the Old Dominion women's basketball team from 1983-1987, which included the starting point guard role on the Lady Monarchs' third national championship title team in 1985.

A two-time captain and the 1985 Sun Belt Conference MVP, her name can still be found in the record books listed third in all-time assists with 492, right behind Lady Monarch legends Nancy Lieberman and Ticha Penicheiro. As a freshman, Christian was named MVP of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and was invited to tryout for the United States Olympic Team.

Christian began her coaching career in 1992 serving as an assistant at Western Illinois followed by stints at the University of Dayton and the University of California. While at the University of California, she assisted her former Old Dominion coach and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member Marianne Stanly. She has held a wide variety of roles as an assistant coach including recruiting coordinator, scouting coordinator, strength and conditioning, and assisting with marketing strategies to promote fan interest.

Prior to joining the Lady Monarch coaching staff, Christian has spent time in the corporate world in sales and marketing with nationally recognized companies Liberty Mutual Insurance and Federal Express. Additionally, Christian spent two years working with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks as a Sales and Marketing Executive.

During her two seasons on the Lady Monarch coaching staff, Christian has helped guide Old Dominion to its NCAA record 15th and 16th Colonial Athletic Association titles and a 46-18 overall record.